About
Cyrtomium falcatum, the Japanese holly fern, is a handsome, evergreen or semi-evergreen fern producing upright fronds to 70 cm long composed of glossy, dark-green, broadly sickle-shaped, holly-like leaflets. One of the toughest and most ornamental of all ferns, performing well in shade and tolerating some frost. Excellent for shaded borders, containers or as a houseplant.
About the genus
Cyrtomium are tufted, evergreen or deciduous ferns with simply pinnate fronds composed of broadly sickle-shaped, often glossy, dark-green leaflets. They grow in shaded, moist habitats and are among the most ornamental and reliable ferns for garden use.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toE Asia
Care notes
CultivationCan be grown outdoors in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but will require protection from frosts
PruningNo pruning required but frost-damaged fronds can be removed in spring
PropagationPropagate by spores sown at 16°C in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free